Paris Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine plus Market Visit Option

Indulging in authentic Parisian cuisine becomes an accessible delight with the Paris Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine, offered by Le Foodist. Priced at $230.56 per person, this 6-hour experience combines market shopping, culinary instruction, and a leisurely meal, all set in the heart of Paris. With a rating of 5.0 based on 907 reviews and 99% of participants recommending the experience, it clearly earns its reputation.

This tour is ideal for those who want a deep dive into French food culture, gain practical cooking skills, and enjoy local flavors paired with wine. It caters to a small group of up to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized approach, and appeals most to foodie travelers looking for interactive, hands-on activities. Keep in mind, minimum age is 12, and dairy-free or vegan diets are not available in the standard class.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience preparing a 3-course French meal with professional guidance
• Market visit option to buy fresh ingredients in the Paris Latin Quarter
• Includes a 3-course lunch with half a bottle of wine per person
• Small groups of 11-12 people guarantee personal attention from the instructor
• Recipe sheets provided electronically to recreate dishes at home
• Approximately 6 hours for the full experience, including optional market visit

Starting in Central Paris at Le Foodist’s Cookery School

The tour begins at 59 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, a convenient location in central Paris near public transportation. If you opt for the 6-hour class, your morning starts with croissants and coffee or tea—a typical French breakfast—before heading to a nearby food market in the Latin Quarter. This market visit allows you to purchase ingredients, sample cheeses, and learn about local produce from your instructor.

For those choosing the 4.5-hour class, the market visit occurs afterward, giving you time initially to plan your menu and prepare your dishes. This flexible timing suits travelers who prefer to focus mainly on the cooking part or want a shorter overview of the experience.

Exploring the Market in Paris’ Latin Quarter

The market visit is a key highlight of this tour, available with the 6-hour option. You walk through an open-air Parisian market, where your instructor shares insights into French cheeses, fresh produce, and local specialties. Sampling cheeses during the visit adds an authentic touch to the experience.

During the market walk, you learn valuable tips on selecting quality ingredients and understanding French food culture. The cheese tastings and discussion about ingredient quality deepen your appreciation for French culinary standards. This stop provides a rich sensory experience and an opportunity to pick ingredients that you’ll use in your cooking.

Planning Your Menu with Expert Guidance

Once back at the cookery school, the focus shifts to menu planning. You collaborate with your instructor to decide on a 3-course meal, which typically includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. The instructor helps you learn traditional French techniques, emphasizing proper preparation and presentation.

During the two hours in the kitchen, you’ll prepare your dishes, gaining skills and tips from a professional. The class is designed for interactive participation, so everyone gets a chance to cook, learn, and ask questions. Many reviews praise the knowledge and patience of the guides, such as Frederic, Pablo, and Luke, who are described as entertaining and highly skilled teachers.

Savoring Your French Meal with Wine Pairings

After cooking, everyone gathers at the dining table to enjoy the meal prepared together. The 3-course lunch is served with half a bottle of white or red wine per person, selected to complement your dishes. The guide also teaches wine pairing techniques, enriching your understanding of food and wine harmony.

Guests consistently mention the delicious food and the relaxed atmosphere during lunch. The pairings elevate the meal, making it a true taste of French dining style. Before departing, you receive electronic copies of your recipes, allowing you to recreate your dishes at home.

What’s Included in the Experience

The tour package covers all necessary equipment and aprons, along with professional instruction. If you choose the 6-hour option, it includes the market visit with cheese samples, croissant and coffee or tea, and use of all ingredients and tools needed for cooking.

The experience also features wine, with half a bottle per person, and a recipe sheet sent via email afterward. The Drop-Stop tool is provided as a gift, helping improve your pour accuracy in future wine moments.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The activity starts and ends at the same location, 59 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine. The venue is close to public transportation, making it easy to access from different parts of Paris. The small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience and the opportunity for direct interaction with the instructor.

Timing, Pacing, and Group Size

The 6-hour class combines a market visit, menu planning, cooking, and lunch, providing a comprehensive culinary immersion. The 4.5-hour option focuses mainly on cooking and eating, suitable for those with less time but still interested in French cuisine.

Group size remains limited to 11-12 participants, which many reviewers find ideal for learning and interaction. The pacing is described as relaxed yet engaging, with plenty of time for questions and hands-on participation.

The Experience’s Unique Selling Points

What sets this tour apart is the combination of market shopping, personalized instruction, and delicious meal sharing. The knowledgeable guides and interactive format receive high praise, with many reviews mentioning Fredric, Pablo, and Luke as entertaining and expert teachers.

The inclusion of wine pairing and the chance to learn about French cheese and ingredients give the experience a true culinary education feel. The recipes provided afterward mean you can recreate your favorite dishes at home, extending the enjoyment beyond Paris.

Suitable for Different Types of Food Enthusiasts

This experience caters particularly well to foodies eager to learn French techniques, shop like locals, and enjoy a relaxed lunch with wine. It works for families, couples, and groups of friends, especially those interested in culture through cuisine.

However, dairy-free and vegan diets are not accommodated in the standard class, so those with dietary restrictions should plan accordingly. Travelers seeking a more intensive cooking course or customized menus might find this format somewhat limited but still highly satisfying.

Final Thoughts: A Practical, Enjoyable French Cooking Day

The Paris Cooking Class and Lunch with Wine from Le Foodist offers a well-rounded and highly rated experience that combines market exploration, culinary skill-building, and French cuisine enjoyment. The small-group setting and expert guides make this more than just a cooking class—it becomes an engaging cultural experience.

This tour provides value for money, especially considering the full meal, wine, and recipes included. It’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy Parisian food culture and leave with new skills and delicious memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cooking class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to teach traditional French techniques, and beginners are welcome. The guides are friendly and patient.

Can I choose my menu?
The menu is planned with your instructor based on available ingredients and traditional dishes. You may participate in the selection process during the planning phase.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegan and dairy-free options are not available in the standard class, so please inform the provider at booking if you have specific dietary needs.

What should I bring or wear?
All required equipment and attire are provided, including aprons. You only need to bring your enthusiasm.

How long does the market visit last?
The market visit is included in the 6-hour class. It involves walking through an open-air market, sampling cheese, and buying ingredients.

What kind of wine is served?
Guests enjoy half a bottle of white or red wine during lunch, with guidance on pairing to enhance the dishes.

Will I get recipes to make at home?
Yes, electronic copies of all recipes are emailed after the class, allowing you to recreate your dishes later.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour starts and ends at 59 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, near public transportation. Directions are straightforward, and the venue is accessible.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 11-12 people, which helps ensure personalized attention and interaction.

Can children participate?
Children must be at least 12 years old to join. No unaccompanied children are accepted.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 6 days prior are not eligible for refunds.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Le Foodist, a trusted name in Paris culinary experiences.